Surveys the varying styles of houses found in New Orleans and how they evolved.

Architecturally unique, New Orleans has been called the greatest outdoor museum in the world. Glimpses of history can be found in the balconies, arches, and stained-glass windows of its homes, from simple Creole cottages to suburban ranch houses. Written as a house-watchers guide, New Orleans Houses enables the layperson to estimate the date of a houses construction, within ten to fifteen years, and to place it in a historical time frame by studying its architectural details. The author discusses each building style in the context of the major events, personages, and issues of the period during which the buildings were erected. Over 100 illustrations, including drawings of existing New Orleans homes as well as composite sketches, highlight the characteristics commonly associated with certain types of homes, making New Orleans Houses as much an art book as it is a reference guide. A glossary clarifies the sometimes-confusing terminology used in discussing architecture. It also defines words peculiar to New Orleans architecture such as Creole and faubourg.

A study of historic architectural styles of New Orleans homes. This presentation of nineteenth-century gouache and watercolor archival paintings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives offers a glimpse at what old, renovated, restored, and new buildings in New Orleans neighborhoods not only might look like, but how they should look. Including examples of each New Orleans house type, ranging from the French colonial plantation home to the Creole cottage, this volume offers historic plans for each house along with contemporary adaptive-use alternatives to suit modern needs. An architectural pattern book, educational tool, city planner’s handbook, and stunning visual presentation, this gorgeous resource is intended for all interested in historic preservation and architectural history as well as those wishing to build a modern home in an authentic New Orleans style. Praise for A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture “An enchanting waltz through the heart of the Crescent City choreographed by the doyenne of New Orleans’ preservationists. [Toledano] presents two centuries of colored renderings from the New Orleans Notarial Archives in a stunning visual portrait of the city’s built heritage, while architect Gate Pratt’s pattern book of new homes designed in authentic styles provides an indispensable resource for rebuilding efforts. This work is destined to become the quintessential bible for historians, preservationists, architects, and all those interested in the true story of the architectural traditions that have shaped the ‘real’ New Orleans.” —Russell Versaci, AIA, traditional architect and author of Creating a New Old House and Roots of Home “For architects, builders, and developers working in the Crescent City, Roulhac B. Toledano’s A Pattern Book of New Orleans Architecture reveals an extraordinary new design resource. Toledano describes in detail the evolution of the city and the building types that have given the city a character unique in the world. Modern floor plans designed by local architects for historic house types demonstrate that the traditional architectural patterns of New Orleans are as accommodating today as in the past. For local practitioners and visitors wishing to build in New Orleans, Toledano’s pattern book is essential for sensitive and thoughtful design in this most exotic and precious city.” —Paul Ostergaard, AIA, Urban Design Associates, Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania

From the publishers of The Unofficial Guide to Walt Disney World "A Tourist's Best Friend!" --Chicago Sun-Times "Indispensable" --The New York Times Five Great Features and Benefits offered ONLY by The Unofficial Guide * Hotels, motels, and inns ranked and rated for value and quality -- plus proven strategies for getting the best deals * Everything you ever needed to know about Mardi Gras and Jazz Fest * Witty and informative walking tours of the French Quarter, Arts District and Garden District * The straight truth on all the attractions, from City Park to Aquarium of the Americas * The best plantation home tours * Detailed restaurant reviews and tips on the hottest nightspots Sample Rating City Park ***** Appeal by age Preschool *** Grade school ***** Teens *** Young adults ***** Over 30 ***** Seniors *** 1 Palm Drive off I-10 (City Park/Metairie exit); # 504-482-4888; www.neworleanscitypark.com Type of attraction Municipal park with a variety of recreational and cultural attractions. Admission Park free; museum, botanical gardens, and some recreational centers have fees for out-of-state visitors. Hours Sunrise to sunset. When to go Anytime. Special comments An unrivaled family venue, with attractions for kids, jocks, picnickers, nature-lovers, and general romantics. How much time to allow 1-4 hours.

A handbook for discovering the architectural gems in the Vieux Carré of New Orleans

Presents the history, geography, people, politics and government, economy, social life and customs, state events and attractions, and notable people of Louisiana.

February issue includes Appendix entitled Directory of United States Government periodicals and subscription publications; September issue includes List of depository libraries; June and December issues include semiannual index